Legislation

ESTABLISHMENT:The "Local Authorities Act 1902" abolished divisional boards and created city, town and shire councils. Under this Act, Carpentaria Divisional Board was abolished and its functions were transferred to Carpentaria Shire Council. In 1910 the area of the Town of Normanton was included in the Shire of Carpentaria.

FUNCTIONS:Under the "Local Authorities Act 1902", the primary function of Shire Councils was to provide such public services and amenities as parks and reserves, cemeteries, libraries and recreational facilities, water and sanitation services, roads, bridges, wharves, street lighting, public health services, licences and registrations for businesses, markets and animals, town planning, and the control of noxious weeds and other pests.

The Council was also responsible for administering the Local Fund, and for valuing properties within the Shire for the purpose of determining and collecting rates.

The Council could pass by-laws regarding all matters within its jurisdiction. All such by-laws required the assent of the Governor-in-Council.

Local Government Councils under the "Local Government Act 1993" and subsequent "Local Government Act 2009" and through local laws: promote economic development; own and manage public infrastructure including roads and public works, sewerage, and water storage and distribution; regulate activities which affect the environment including air, noise and water quality, land use and waste disposal, pests and noxious weeds, and building control; provide community services including recreational and cultural facilities and public health services.

Under the "Local Government Act 2009". local governments have " the power to do anything that is necessary or convenient for the good rule and local government of its local government area" including conduct joint government activities, engage in business enterprises. construct and maintain roads and other infrastructure. Indigenous Councils which are also Trustee Councils are responsible for business related to trust land while Community Forums may be established to discuss community issues.

ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE:The Shire Council included a chairman, town clerk and a number of other members. From time to time, the Council could appoint committees for special or general purposes. Council also appointed its own officers, who were paid from the Local Fund.

Each year the Minister appointed an independent auditor to review the financial statements of the Council. The Council submitted an annual Statement of Revenue and Expenditure to the Minister, which was published in the Government Gazette.

In the 2000s, the Council consists of a mayor and councillors, with a Chief Executive Officer responsible for implementing the council's program. Councils raise funds through rates and charges, and from grants and subsidies, and loans

PORTFOLIO CONTROLLING:Home Secretary 31 Mar 1903 - 5 Dec 1935Secretary for Health and Home Affairs 5 Dec 1935 - 23 Dec 1941Secretary for Public Works 23 Dec 1941 - 15 May 1947Secretary for Public Works, Housing and Local Government 15 May 1947 - 1 May 1952Treasurer 1 May 1952 - 12 Aug 1957Minister for Public Works and Local Government 12 Aug 1957 -